Pedagogical Contents

 1.1 Teaching Methods

At Sekolah Menengah Pertama (SMP) Muhammadiyah 5 Surakarta, teachers use different teaching approaches and strategies to help students learn effectively. During my first observation, I was in the class of Pak Adi, an English teacher who also served as our guide throughout our stay at the school. I noticed that he used interactive activities to keep students engaged and active in class. Since he teaches English, he spoke in English most of the time, and I was amazed that the students could understand him well. Even though the lesson was simple, he still applied effective teaching strategies to ensure that students stayed interested. I also admired his personality and the way he delivered his lessons. This experience made me realize that teaching is not just about explaining lessons but also about how teachers interact with their students. Pak Adi’s use of interactive and engaging PowerPoint presentations further enhanced the lesson, as they were clear and easy to read. His teaching methods created an active and engaging classroom, making me feel like a high school student again.

When we observed other classes, I was also impressed by how teachers managed their students. One key strategy they used was technology to make lessons more engaging and effective. Later, I had the chance to observe my cooperating teacher, Ms. Ichaa, who used different teaching methods compared to Pak Adi. I liked that teachers had the freedom to choose materials and strategies based on their students’ abilities and learning styles. This flexibility allowed them to adjust their teaching to meet the needs of their students, ensuring that everyone had the opportunity to learn in a way that suited them best. Seeing these passionate teachers in action made me even more inspired to become an educator who can create a meaningful and engaging learning experience for my future students.

1.2 Learning Materials and Innovation

Based on my observations, teachers use different learning materials and strategies to make their lessons more engaging and effective. Pak Adi uses PowerPoint presentations, a projector, and the whiteboard to explain the lesson. He always writes important points on the board so students can take notes and understand better. By combining technology and traditional teaching methods, he keeps students focused and involved in the lesson. His clear explanations help students learn complex topics more easily.

Ms. Ichaa, on the other hand, mainly uses printed materials and textbooks so students can follow along and answer activities. She also uses PowerPoint presentations and the whiteboard to make her lessons more organized and easy to understand. Using different learning materials helps students with different learning styles stay active in class. From what I have seen, I am really impressed by how both teachers use different techniques to make learning exciting and effective!

These techniques show that a great teacher knows how to use different materials and methods to meet students' needs. By making lessons clear, engaging, and easy to follow, teachers help students understand and enjoy learning. I truly admire how Pak Adi and Ms. Ichaa put effort into making their lessons interesting and effective. Their hard work and creative ways of teaching make me want to be a teacher who helps students learn and improve.

1.3 Sources of learning and technology used by the teachers

At SMP Muhammadiyah 5 Surakarta, I noticed that teachers use a variety of learning materials to support students' understanding. Textbooks and printed materials are essential sources of learning, allowing students to follow the lesson and complete activities that reinforce their knowledge. I observed that Ms. Ichaa relies on printed worksheets for students to answer while also encouraging them to use their textbooks to stay on track with the lesson. Additionally, I saw that the whiteboard plays an important part in the classroom, as teachers use it to write important details, explain concepts, and engage students in discussions. These traditional learning materials help provide structure and allow students to review lessons at their own pace.

Aside from printed resources, I noticed that teachers incorporate technology to enhance their lessons. I observed that Pak Adi effectively uses PowerPoint presentations and a projector to make lessons more engaging and visually appealing. The slides contain key points that help students understand the lesson better, while the whiteboard is still used for additional explanations. I saw that combining digital tools with traditional methods makes the lessons more interactive and keeps students actively involved in the discussion. This experience made me recognize that the right combination of traditional and modern teaching tools not only enhances learning but also inspires students to participate more actively in the classroom.

1.4 Authentic Assessment

The teacher’s authentic assessment strategy includes problem-solving tasks and question-based assessments that encourage students to apply their learning. I observed that after discussing the lesson, the teacher asks students to reflect before giving a test with multiple-choice and problem-solving questions. This approach goes beyond memorization, requiring students to analyze, evaluate, and think critically. By using real-world problem-solving, students develop deeper understanding and higher-order thinking skills, making learning more meaningful and practical.